Update 850

In this episode, we recap the highlights of the third week of Florida's legislative session, which began with the release of the House and Senate's proposed budgets for the 2023-2024 fiscal year. We discuss the ongoing race for legislative members, lobbyists, and advocates to ensure their budget priorities are funded in at least one chamber. We also cover important legislation passed in the Senate Children, Families, and Elder Affairs committee and House Children, Families, and Seniors subcommittee, as well as the First Lady's expansion of the Hope Florida initiative. Finally, we review the Senate's initial draft budget for health and human services, including funding for child welfare needs and the Community Based Care Funding model.

In this episode of Update 850, we take a closer look at week 2 of the Florida Legislature. Although the week started with less fanfare, it was still full of activity as advocates crowded committees to voice their opinions on matters of the day. Governor DeSantis had a relatively light week in the sunshine state, relying on his team to manage the day-to-day of the legislative session. We discuss the State's Public Health Integrity Committee meeting, the Governor's round table with leaders in the State's higher education system to discuss Diversity Equity and Inclusion programs, and the Senate's initial approval of the State's Surgeon General. We also touch on the Senate's tort reform package, Governor DeSantis's announcement of Florida's approval of over $46.6 Million to conserve 21,000 Acres, and the Second Annual Spring 2023 Florida Space Art Contest for K-5 Students. Finally, we delve into the House's Children, Families and Seniors subcommittee meeting, the House Justice Appropriations Subcommittee hearing. Join us as we delve deeper into the second week of the Florida Legislature.

The first week of the 2023 legislative session in Tallahassee saw proposed legislation finalized and major priorities moving forward. We cover major events, such as the State of the State Speech by Governor Ron DeSantis and introduced legislation of various committees in the House and Senate, including support for dependent adult children, domestic violence task force, child support, and provisional childcare licensing. In this episode we also look ahead to week 2 of the legislative session and what to expect in terms of committee meetings and proposed legislation.

In this episode, we will cover the latest updates from Florida's political scene. We start with the appointment of Dennis Moore as the new leader of the state's Guardian ad Litem office. Next, we discuss the recent passage of the Florida House's tort reform legislation and the ongoing battle between Florida Trial Attorneys, businesses, and insurance companies. We then move on to the new Chair of the Florida Democratic Party, Nikki Fried, and the challenges that lie ahead for the party. We also cover a report by the Florida Nonprofit Alliance, which highlights the improving trends among Florida nonprofits. Additionally, we discuss the new legislation filed by Senator Ilena Garcia and Representative Dana Trabulsy, aimed at assisting foster youth, and modifying sections of statute related to dependent children. We also talk about Governor Ron DeSantis's book release and the ongoing changes to New College Board of Trustees. Finally, we cover the latest legislative filings, including SB 1278, SB 1306, SB 1288, SB 1322, SB 1332, and SB 1400.

In this episode, we reflect on the final committee week prior to the 2023 Regular Session convening in Florida. On Saturday, Christian Ziegler won the election to serve as Chair for the Republican Party of Florida, while the Florida Democratic Party is still deciding between former State Senator Anette Taddeo and former Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried. The Senate Health Policy Committee discussed six pieces of legislation related to healthcare, while the Florida Coalition for Children’s Rally in Tally event took place on Tuesday. Wednesday saw the Florida House Children, Families and Seniors Subcommittee approve three pieces of legislation, and the Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services discussed several topics, including an update on the State’s Opioid Settlement agreement and the Family First Prevention Services Act. The episode concludes with a note that the FCC will be eagerly monitoring the developments around the Community Based Care Funding Model.

In this episode of UPDATE 850, we recap the activities that occurred during the legislative week leading up to Florida's upcoming session. We also announce the Florida Coalition for Children's 2023 Rally in Tally, which will be held at Florida’s Capitol building. The event offers an opportunity for legislative and coalition members to meet and discuss ways to improve Florida’s child welfare system on behalf of the children and families they serve. During the week, committee meetings were held, and experts such as Office of Economic and Demographic Research Director Amy Baker and Health Care Appropriations Staff Directors Brian Clark and Tonya Money presented forecasts for Florida’s healthcare programs that serve children and families. The episode also covers the press conferences held by House Democrats, Senate Democrats, and a bi-partisan group concerning new social media protection regulations for minors. We round off the week with the Joint legislative Budget Commission meeting, the Press Conference and Rally on African American Studies in Florida Schools, and the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment. The podcast provides insights into the upcoming regular session of the legislature in the next two months.

This week, the President discussed childcare and online privacy in the State of the Union, while the Florida Legislature met in a special session to address immigration and various policy issues. The Governor's staff presented the "Framework for Freedom Budget" to committees, and organizations hosted events to introduce legislative members to their issues. Governor DeSantis announced $275 million for resilience projects, hosted a round table on legacy media defamation, and highlighted a $2 billion tax relief plan for Florida families. No major legislation related to child-welfare was filed this week.

Don't miss the Florida Coalition for Children's 2023 "Rally in Tally"! Register at: www.FLChildren.org

Rally in Tally is dedicated to educating our foster youth, families, and child welfare workers on advocating for their needs with Florida’s lawmakers. We want to offer our advocates, especially our youth, the opportunity to meet one-on-one with legislators and share their stories and experiences. As part of the child welfare system, they bring awareness to the issues facing the system each day across the state.